We, the undersigned, call on Boulder City Council to:
1. Expedite a planning process to evaluate City-owned land suitable for development that could be exchanged with the University of Colorado (CU") for the "CU South" property.
2. Focus on the City-owned Planning Reserve ("Reserve") at Jay Road and 28th identified as "potentially suitable for new urban development.
3. Conduct an urban services study at the Reserve to be completed prior to any annexation decisions as the first steps toward possible land exchange.
4. Commit to preserving the wetlands and grasslands in the South Boulder Creek Floodplain for flood mitigation, ecosystem restoration & environmental values, and recreation.
WHY CU SHOULD DEVELOP ELSEWHERE
1. Mostly surrounded by Open Space and a State Natural Area, "CU-South" has been targeted to be officially designated Open Space since the 1970s and is the missing piece on our open space greenway. It's also a key part of the South Boulder Creek floodplain.
2. The old gravel mine at "CU South" should be reclaimed and restored; flood mitigation and open space should be prioritized over intensive development.
3. CU should build on higher, dryer land appropriate for development, not a floodplain.
4. CU's demands for annexation and development at "CU-South" would cost the City tens of millions of dollars initially and create long-term financial risks and liabilities for the City.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR A LAND EXCHANGE
CU stated its willingness to consider a land swap and will assess the North Boulder Planning Reserve if it is first annexed by the City. A land exchange would protect wetlands on, be consistent with intelligent land use planning and science, meet CU's need for housing for graduate students, professors, and staff, plus 30 acres of playing fields--a substantial advantage of a CU North Campus.
City Council should ACT NOW on this opportunity for a win-win solution.
